ASHLEY Giles is aiming to get “some deals done soon” with Warwickshire players out of contract in September.

Among 11 heading out of contract are Rikki Clarke, Tim Ambrose, Andy Miller and Ant Botha and while plenty of senior players are signed up beyond 2011, director of cricket Giles would like to add to them sooner rather than later.

“We will try to get some deals done soon,” he said. “We have a nucleus of senior guys signed up but have held appraisals and hopefully can make more decisions soon.”

Botha’s details having already been circulated to other counties, his departure looks certain but Giles insists that is not necessarily the case.

“Ant has been hugely unlucky to pick up an injury that gave Chris Metters an opportunity which he has taken so well,” he said. “That means it is very difficult for us to commit.

“Boths hasn’t played much this year but is an excellent all-rounder and has been a massive part of all our sides. He still has a huge amount to offer but we are always juggling what we need going forward against what we have got and what we can afford.

“Metters has been a big positive. He wasn’t bowling well just before his debut but grabbed the bull by the horns and took a six-for. He is early in his development but his confidence is growing.”

* Long-serving groundsman Steve Rouse will retire at the end of this season. Rouse, 62, will stay involved with some WCB programmes but a search for the best candidate to replace him at Edgbaston is now underway.